Bows and hunting
Did I watch LoTR one too many times? Lately I've been outdoorsy in my free time -- fishing, and soon hunting for the first time. Quite enjoyable really.
Anyone out here hunt with a bow/cross bow. I tried a cross-bow the other day and I was amazed at the accuracy. It's probably a lot harder to hit a moving target with cross-bow than with a rifle, as the bolt moves a lot slower. I'm thinking of getting one as I progress towards a bow, which is a lot harder to use well, but ultimately the most artful form of the hunting. Will have to get some sort of shot gun or hunting sidearm just in case an angry bear is undettered by my flying toothpicks. I have a few ideas on that, but suggestions are welcome.
Probably not amongst this lot, but any hunters/archers out there?
Anyone out here hunt with a bow/cross bow. I tried a cross-bow the other day and I was amazed at the accuracy. It's probably a lot harder to hit a moving target with cross-bow than with a rifle, as the bolt moves a lot slower. I'm thinking of getting one as I progress towards a bow, which is a lot harder to use well, but ultimately the most artful form of the hunting. Will have to get some sort of shot gun or hunting sidearm just in case an angry bear is undettered by my flying toothpicks. I have a few ideas on that, but suggestions are welcome.
Probably not amongst this lot, but any hunters/archers out there?
Comments
Originally posted by Matsu
Probably not amongst this lot, but any hunters/archers out there?
Ted Nugent. Come on down to Michigan and visit Ted Nugent's Bow World for all of your hunting needs.
I've always loved bows. Never hunted myself, but I have used a bow and arrow a few times and they are a very nice artform. What do you hunt? Are you going to eat it? Ted eats everything he kills.
I've done some waterfowl hunting in my time, and it's pretty fun. It's where shotguns come into play though, since you'd never hit anything fast-moving and airborne with a rifle.
Otherwise, deer meat is exceptionally tasty, and there's a big overpopulation of them in most parts anyway. I once knew a guy who hunted deer with a bow as well, which may be an option for you if you're into that stuff. Personally, I'm more into guns, especially because the government doesn't want me to have them.
If you plan to fend off a grizzly bear you'll need nothing less than a 40mm anti-armor cannon.
I think there just might be some firearms out there that can fell a charging bear. Smith and Wesson has a new .50 caliber load (and a 5 shot revolver) designed for just such a purpose. It has 3X the muzzle velocity of a 44 Magnum, LOTSA power, however even at over 12" long and weighing over 4 lbs (or perhaps especially because of that) it can't be all too easy to aim at anything, especially if you're a little scared/excited. A shot gun with the right load, and 4-5 cartridge capacity ought to provide the right safety margin.
I've heard people say that if you lay down on your stomach and cover your head and neck, most bears will sniff and nudge you a bit before moving on. That's not really an option I'm prepared to test.
Keeping a clean camp, being careful around brush/water and traveling with a partner will all increase your safety more than a gun.